Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?

Open from 9:30am - 6pm  Monday - Friday;    10am - 4pm   Saturday    and during the lunch hour

How long will it take to complete my framing project?

Generally it takes 7 to 10 days from order to pick-up.  During busier periods it could take longer.  Sometimes we can expedite an order for a special event or a short deadline.  We carry many of our mouldings and matboard in stock, so a longer delay is unusual.  However, we do not carry all items we display and manufacturer shortages, unexpected discontinuations and delays are possible.  If we encounter availabity problems, we will contact you immediately and discuss alternatives with you.

What services do you offer?

See this page for a list of most services.

How do I place my order for my OSU diploma frame?

If you haven't yet visited the page describing the styles we offer, see this page first.

1) Choose your style, or the basic layout of the framing from one of the style pages(e.g., Classic, Traditional, etc.)  A menu showing all choices can be found by clicking on one of the thumbnail images on the diploma menu page.

2) Choose the color and number of mats you want.  This link can be helpful.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a table that will show you previews of different matting combinations.

3) Choose the frame you wish to use.  This page has photos of corner samples and dimensions of popular mouldings.  Some of the frames are available in mahogany and walnut finishes.

There is a price table on each diploma style page that provides the prices corresponding to the frame chosen and the number of mats used.

4)  Decide which glass you wish to have.  The default choice is UV-filtering clear.  Alternatively, you may choose UV-filtering non-glare for an additional cost disclosed on the respective diploma style page.

Next, decide whether you want us to mount your diploma, tassel and/or medallion in your framing.  We recommend at minimum having us install medallions and tassels for you.

Finally, tell us if you need us to ship your completed framing to you or if you will have it picked up at our store.

You can call us at (405) 372-0690 or email us to place your order.   We will respond with a quote that reflects the pricing shown on this site and give you a shipping cost based on your location.

Since all of our diploma framing is custom, feel free to ask us to make changes in mat opening shapes, widths of mat colors visible, etc.  It isn't uncommon for someone to prefer to have a rectangular opening around a campus picture instead of an oval or an ocagonal opening around the tassel to match one around the medallion. If you would like us to work with you to incorporate your ideas in the framing, don't hesitate to contact us.

I received a picture at graduation that I would like to use with my diploma framing insead of yours.  Can I do that?

Yes.  OSU has presented graduates with a small lithograph at graduation since 1997.  Some people like the image they receive and others care to have one the many images we offer.  The size of the lithographs presented at graduation are smaller, but since most of our diploma frames are custom this is not a problem.  Some pictures on this page should illustrate what a finished diploma frame looks like using the smaller graduation lithograph.

What are those medals with the black and orange ribbons I see with the diplomas in your photos?

Those are commencement medallions are made by the University and available to every graduate.  They are investment cast metal with a bronze finish.  The tradition began in 1995 when they were distributed at the commencement ceremony.  Now we understand you pick them up at the Student Union Bookstore along with the tassel and gown. 

How do I maintain my framing after I take it home?

Before you consider a place to hang your framing, read the following recommendations. By following our list of suggestions, you can help protect your investment and ensure a high level of enjoyment from your framing for many years.

PROTECTION FROM LIGHT

Unfortunately, all light causes fading of many media, especially watercolor, pastels, and many inks. It can also yellow and embrittle paper. Light damage is cumulative and irreversible. The best display conditions are those with low light levels and no daylight exposure. Light sources containing ultraviolet (UV) rays are especially harmful. UV is found most abundantly in sunlight and fluorescent lamps. Even if you have chosen to use the 99% UV-filtering glass we offer, do not hang it in direct sunlight; the intense heat it generates can also damage inks and dyes.

PROTECTION FROM UNSAFE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

Warm or moist conditions accelerate deterioration, so temperature and relative humidity should not generally exceed 70ºF and 60%, respectively (conditions of a comfortable home). High temperature and humidity also encourages mold growth and insect activity.

Temperature and humidity should ideally remain constant. Significant climatic fluctuations cause paper to ripple from expansion (non-dry mounted art). Framing non-dry mounted art (hinged) provides protection against daily fluctuations but may not prevent paper cockling during seasonal changes, especially for delicate objects.

Avoid storing works of art in basements, garages, attics, bathrooms or over heat sources. Unless the building has excellent climate controls, do not subject art on paper to seaside locations or other damp areas.

CLEANING YOUR GLASS AND FRAME

Glass cleaner solutions should never be directly sprayed on the glass. The liquid may flow into the frame and permanently damage matting and art or stimulate mold growth. Spray only enough cleaner on a clean, soft, lint-free cleaning cloth to accomplish the job. Do not use cleaners containing ammonia if your glass is optically coated (museum or AR);  it may damage the finish.

What are the differences in the types of glass you offer?

•  Plain

Standard glass.  Offers art a barrier against pollution, dust, insects, and fingerprints.

•  Non-Glare

The outside surface is finely etched to diffuse distracting reflections.

•  UV Filtering Clear

Same as plain except the inside surface is coated with a transparent 99% ultraviolet filtering film.  Ultraviolet light contributes to fading of pigment and dyes and paper discoloration and ebrittlement over time.

•  UV Filtering Non-glare

Non-glare with a 99% ultraviolet filter

•  AR (Anti-Reflective)

Optically coated glass uses a precise thin-film applied to the surface to cancel most reflected light.  Only 1% of light is reflected when viewed directly in front.  This also allows more light to pass through the glass and has the result of enhancing the richness of colors.  78% UV filtering.

•  Museum (AR/UV filtering)

Same optical coating as AR and also has a 99% ultraviolet filter

•  PlexiGlas

Acrylic that is available in clear and non-glare.  Tough, but can be scratched if mishandled.  Good for when light weight is desired and/or glass may pose a safety hazard.